Film Society to Present Movie and Concert Dedicated to Music of Bach

The Tallahassee Film Society and the Tallahassee Bach Parley will present the final performance of “Bach & Friends,” the acclaimed Michael Lawrence documentary about the music of J.S. Bach, with a special appearance by Bach Parley Music Director Valerie Arsenault, at 4 PM on Saturday, September 29 at All Saints Cinema, 918½ Railroad Avenue in Tallahassee.

“Bach & Friends” is the glorious celebration of the great master’s work in which musicians for all kinds not only play, but also speak about why Bach inspires them. From the vocalese of Bobby McFerrin to the beautiful sounds of ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro to the incredible performance of Chris Thile on mandolin, this elegantly styled documentary explores each musician’s work and his or her relationship to Bach and his music. In “Bach & Friends,” the audience will hear Bach played on crystal glasses filled with water, in resonant churches, and on stage by world class artists such as Hilary Hahn, the Emerson String Quartet, Béla Fleck, Edger Meyer, and Joshua Bell, each explaining and demonstrating why Bach’s music remains so important hundreds of years after it was written.

Special guest Valerie Arsenault, who directs both the Tallahassee Bach Parley as well as Florida State University’s Baroque Ensemble, will perform the Prelude from Partita No. 3 in E major on her Baroque violin. Arsenault will also discuss some of the performances in the "Bach & Friends" movie, explain what you will see and not see, and talk about how the musicians in the film are relating to their own idea of Bach.

“The film style is so up close and intimate, it gives you a sense of what it is actually like to play the music of Bach yourself,” explains Arsenault.

The Tallahassee Film Society and the Tallahassee Bach Parley worked in tandem for the first time to enhance the experience of this movie. The Tallahassee Bach Parley performs Baroque music, including plenty of J.S. Bach repertoire, and also uses period instruments to more closely replicate the style in which Baroque music may have been performed when it was written. Arsenault’s commentary and performance before the movie will provide a special treat for moviegoers, and a chance to hear Bach played on a period instrument.

Tickets for “Bach & Friends” are $12 for the general public and $10 for Tallahassee Film Society and Tallahassee Bach Parley members, as well as for students with valid IDs. To reserve a seat, please email filmnews@tallahasseefilms.com or call 386-4404.

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